Book Review - Fathomless

About the Book
Ghostly pirates, lost treasure, and high adventure abound in Fathomless, the sequel to Spineless, set in glittering Gilded Age Florida.

After months away at boarding school, Lulu Davenport was looking forward to summer vacation at her home on the southwest Florida coast, especially since her best friend, Algie Emsworth, will be spending his vacation with the Davenport family. But since his widowed mother has fallen on hard times, he’s gotten a job nearby that keeps him away from the house most of the day. And Frankie, Lulu’s sister and usual companion, is out of commission after injuring herself while sailing. But when Lulu hears about a possible haunting in a nearby abandoned fort and rumors of hidden treasure, she decides it’s time to strike out on her own and solve the mystery herself. In the process, she meets Vic, a blind boy who’s just moved to town, and the two of them embark on a hunt for clues about the ghostly appearances. Soon enough, Frankie and Algie join them, and the four friends uncover all sorts of very real dastardly deeds going on, and the villain is much closer to home than they expected!

Fathomless is full of hijinks, mystery, and heart, as Samantha San Miguel brings readers into the wild and wonderful world of nineteenth century Florida in this sparkling sequel to Spineless.


My Take on the Book

In this engaging sequel, the author crafts a narrative that is both unexpected and deeply resonant, particularly for its intended young audience. The story is not only filled with surprising twists but also delves into themes of self-discovery and the complexities of sibling dynamics. The characters are well developed, each grappling with moral dilemmas and ethical questions that feel authentic and relevant.

Every chapter adds layers to the plot and emotional depth to the characters. The exploration of family bonds and the imperfections of adult figures adds a layer of realism that enhances the story's impact.

The author also weaves in thought-provoking ideas about science and nature and the importance of understanding and respecting both. The vividly depicted setting transports readers to a different time and place, enriching the reading experience. With its well-crafted plot and emotional sophistication, this book stands out as a compelling read.

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Book Review - Human First, Leader Second: How Self-Compassion Outperforms Self-Criticism

About the Book
A self-compassion blueprint for leaders who are closed-off, constantly on the verge of burnout, and/or trapped in the myth of perfectionism.

Through this 6-step framework, leaders will learn that self-compassion is for the strong, to separate their title from their person, and how to care for themselves in order to care for others.

So many leadership and compassion books seek to remind leaders to “behave human” and treat those around them with care. But the truth is that leaders are human. They’re not playing at being human or calling forth their humanity on demand. Their struggle in marrying leadership and compassion stems from leaders ignoring self-care—the lack of compassion toward their subordinates is just a symptom.

Human First, Leader Second introduces leaders to the practice of self-compassion through a 6-step framework designed to ease even the most hard-headed and hard-assed leaders into thoughtful, and productive, introspection.

• Backward: Biography, Biology, Backstory
• Forward: Purpose, Values, Priorities
• Inward: Intentions, Feelings, Thoughts
• Outward: Intent, Actions, Behaviors
• Leeward: Self-care and Personal Accountability
• Wayward: Regret and Self-forgiveness

Offering strategies for a personalized exploration of self-compassion—and what works best for the individual—this book will help leaders grow awareness to the importance of self-care while debunking the myth that compassion equals weakness. Regardless of our title or influence, we are all humans first, who need compassion.


My Take on the Book

In this book, Massimo Backus presents an approach to leadership that centers on the power of self-kindness. Rather than viewing self-compassion as a weakness, Backus frames it as a crucial strength that enables leaders to be more effective and impactful. By encouraging leaders to start with themselves, he offers a fresh perspective that shifts the focus from external success to internal growth.

The book is both practical and insightful, offering strategies that are grounded in real-world application. Backus skillfully demonstrates that by nurturing oneself, leaders can cultivate the resilience and empathy needed to guide others more effectively. This isn’t just another leadership manual; it’s a call to action for leaders to embrace their humanity as a core part of their leadership journey.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on actionable tools that leaders can immediately implement. Backus doesn’t just theorize about the benefits of self-compassion—he provides clear steps to integrate these principles into daily life. For anyone looking to evolve their leadership style, this book offers a great blueprint.

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Book Review - Becoming a Leader Worth Following: A Practical Guide for Leading Self, Teams, and Organizations

About the Book
Why is it that some leaders are easier to follow, and others make us want to turn away?

This book distills the leadership lessons and stories from a lifetime of leadership experiences into an easy-to-follow roadmap for your own journey in Becoming a Leader Worth Following.

In this book you will learn the facets of becoming a Leader Worth Following, and receive an invitation to join a movement towards enlightened leadership.

Imagine a world where leaders lead with empathy and self-awareness, and embrace their own transformational journey in Becoming a Leader Worth Following.


My Take on the Book

Becoming a Leader Worth Following by Mike Easley offers a great exploration of leadership that will resonate for both aspiring and seasoned leaders. Easley draws from extensive personal experience, weaving together lessons that are as practical and easy to understand. Unlike many other leadership books that shy away from discussing the author's own missteps, Easley embraces them, providing an honest look at how growth often emerges from failure. His approach to leadership is grounded in the belief that effective leaders are shaped not by their titles but by their everyday decisions and commitment to self-improvement.

Easley’s writing style is engaging and direct, making complex concepts accessible. His stories, ranging from his early days as a Scout to his tenure as a CEO, offer relatable insights that can be applied in both professional and personal contexts. The book challenges readers to examine their leadership choices and encourages them to aspire to a higher standard of influence. For those looking to enhance their leadership skills, this book is a valuable and inspiring resource.

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